When is a house vintage, rather than just old?

[Homed header] Hi, It’s a stroke of luck that the Thunderbird house at [74C Heretaunga Square in Silverstream]( Upper Hutt, never came on the market in the mid-80s. We might not have such a perfect example of Mid-century Kiwi design left if it had. The trend in those days was to ruthlessly “modernise” everything, up to and including Victorian villas. Ironically, those 80s “re-imaginings” might be what makes a home more affordable now. It’s rare that an 80s refit has added anything of value to a home, and most buyers will be factoring in how much it will cost to replace those 80s additions into their offers. On the whole, that era's architecture has not aged well either - I did find one [particularly chic 80s designed apartment in New Plymouth once]( but there’s something a little too sleek, corporate and manufactured about 80s design that doesn’t grab the heartstrings these days. Not like the Thunderbird house, which feels like a late 60s time capsule of architectural design. Now, of course, we cherish those vintage flourishes and if the house is in good repair, most buyers of Mid-century homes are buying them specifically for those timber panels, multiple levels and exposed beams - that’s what the new owners of the Thunderbird house did. It makes me wonder what features of new builds that we take for granted will be cherished and sought out by buyers in the future. Keep it in mind when you’re house hunting this weekend. Have a good one! [Kylie Klein-Nixon] Kylie Klein-Nixon Senior Homed Reporter [Kylie Klein-Nixon] Kylie Klein-Nixon Senior Homed Reporter   Enjoying this email? [Check out Stuff's other daily and weekly newsletters.](   [timer][trk_px] [timer][trk_px] vintage style     Thunderbird is gone This dreamy home, with a kauri panelled entrance and secret lab underneath, was bought by Mid-century super fans who have no plans to change anything about it. [Read more →]( [timer][trk_px]   first time buyer's pick One-bed wonder It’s rare to find a property for under $400,000 these days, but that’s what you get with this little one-bed flat in Lower Hutt, as well as proximity to the region’s best bakery. [Read more →]( property to admire Last one standing Molly Molloy lived in this Wellington cottage for 60 years, and managed to stop the council buying her land, while others caved. Now it’s the last house on the street. [Read more →]( bach to basics Surf hut’s up A Californian surfer flew halfway round the world to surf Piha beach. This 40s bach in the bush, built by surfer Edward “Tiger” O’Brien, was a perfect base. [Read more →]( luxe for less Spa power Always wanted to own a spa pool but worried about how much they cost to run? What if we told you it would cost less than a cup of coffee per week? [Read more →]( If you find Stuff's Homed useful and inspiring, please consider becoming a supporter. [I'd like to contribute →]( [Discover more at Homed]( You are receiving this email because you are opted in to receive the Stuff Homed newsletter. [Unsubscribe or manage your newsletter preferences]( [Privacy Policy]( Did a friend forward you this email? [Sign up to get the Stuff Homed newsletter in your inbox.]( Stuff, 4 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021, New Zealand [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [TikTok](